METABOLIC RATE IN FEMALE EUROPEAN ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS) : INCIDENCE OF REPRODUCTION

摘要: Indirect calorimetry measurements were made continuously over a 2-year period in 10 adult female roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) maintained outdoor enclosures on ad libitum feeding. Results from nonpregnant does revealed no endogenous seasonal rhythm resting metabolic rate (RMR), contrast to most cervid species. Throughout the 2 years of our study, RMR (overall mean 4695 ± 65 kJ∙d−1) fluctuated parallel with variations body mass. The mass-specific ranged 221.2 ± 4.8 230.7 ± 4.0 kJ∙kg−1∙d−1 (466.0 ± 10.8 495.5 ± 9.7 kJ∙kg−0.75∙d−1). pregnant females (five first year, four second) showed that their energy expenditure increased by 15% during last months gestation, step increase A 27% was recorded lactating month post partum. These results show small-bodied such as deer, reproduction costs are higher than other wild herbivores.